'Justice, fairness, equity': Milwaukee County leaders celebrate 34th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- According to the CDC, more than one in four adults in the United States have some type of disability.

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, and disability advocacy is ongoing.

On the ADA's 34th anniversary, Milwaukee County leaders are bringing awareness to the hundreds of disability resources available in our community.

During an ADA celebration at Gordon Park on Friday, County Executive David Crowley proclaimed July 26, 2024, as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day in Milwaukee County.

He said it's a recommitment to the county's advancement of disability rights.

"The ADA is a fundamental belief in justice, in fairness, and more importantly, equity," Crowley explained.

For three decades, the ADA has protected people with disabilities from discrimination, but Mike Bonk with Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Services reminds it is only a baseline.

"It provides the minimum standards for individuals with disabilities, but Milwaukee County has looked at it from a different perspective, and we really try to invest upstream in different programs," Bonk said.

More than 30 disability focused organizations set up booths at Gordon Park Friday, sharing information about resources.

"It really gives people independence to do what they want to do, to stay in their communities," Bonk said.

Christie Carter is the Aging and Disability Coordinator at Milwaukee's LGBT Community Center, offering support groups, assistance and advocacy.

"I think more conversations and more awareness, like activities like this, is what we need," Carter said Friday. "People need to see places where they are accepted and where they feel safe."

She believes disability inclusion is improving, but there is always more that can be done.

"We've come a long way, we have a long way to go," Carter said.

Milwaukee County's Aging and Disability Resource Center has a database of all the organizations that can help residents meet their needs. Click here to learn more.